While the possibility of sabotage behind the Deonar dumping ground fire is doing the rounds, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to tighten the security at the dump yard by increasing the number of security guards by almost three times.

According to civic officials, there are 36 security guards working at the Deonar dumping ground. Their strength will now be increased to 103. It has also been decided to ban entry of outsiders into the dump yard.

Civic chief Ajoy Mehta on Monday visited the dumping ground with experts, civic and fire officials to take stock of the situation. Along with increasing the security strength, he has also directed the civic officials to take all precautionary measures to avoid such incidents in future.

The fire at Deonar dumping ground has now been completely brought under control, though smoke can still be seen emanating from two or three spots. Looking at the possibility of fire flaring up, firemen have been deployed at these places for 24 hours’ vigilance, said civic officials.

Environment expert Rakesh Kumar from National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has suggested that spraying of magnesium chloride to prevent flaring up of fire at the dumping ground. Accordingly, the civic chief has directed the fire officials to spray 100 kg of magnesium chloride at the dumping ground.

“The BMC should ensure that the fire should not flare up and dust should not spread to surrounding areas. The use of magnesium chloride will stop the smouldering of fire at these places. We have also suggested measures to capture and take out combustible methane gas from the garbage, which has been piled at the dump yard for years,” said Mr Kumar.

Meanwhile, residents of Govandi, Chembur and surrounding areas took to the streets forming a human chain along the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road to demand shifting of the dumping site, on Monday.

Rais Shaikh, corporator of Samajwadi Party, said, “The dumping ground has badly affected lives of people in surrounding areas. The site should be shifted from here to put an end to their miseries.”

Local corporator Shaikh Mohammed Siraj had arranged a medical camp for the people, who are suffering from the ill effects of the smoke. “We offered the treatment free of cost,” said Mr Siraj.